000
AXUS74 KSJT 042007
DGTSJT
TXC049-059-081-083-095-105-151-207-235-253-267-307-319-327-353-
399-411-413-417-431-435-441-447-451-062015-
DROUGHT INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN ANGELO TX
307 PM CDT Fri May 4 2018
...Drought conditions persist across portions of West Central
Texas...
Synopsis...
The latest U.S Drought Monitor (USDM), released on May 3rd,
indicates that severe drought (D2) conditions still exist over
the northwestern Big Country. In addition, D2 conditions have
developed across southern portions of the northern Edwards
Plateau, southeastern Kimble County, eastern Concho County,
extreme southwestern Coleman County and extreme northwestern
McCulloch County. Extreme drought (D3) conditions persisted in
the northwest corner of Haskell county.
Summary of Impacts...
Fire Weather Impacts...
Warmer than normal temperatures combined with periods of dry and
gusty winds enhance critical fire weather conditions. Fire danger
can change from day to day as wind and relative humidity vary.
The Texas Forest Service advises to watch out for key weather
thresholds of winds above 15 mph and relative humidity values
below 25 percent. When these thresholds are exceeded, expect the
fire danger will be elevated.
As of May 4th, countywide outdoor burn bans were supported in
Throckmorton, Fisher, Jones, Nolan, Callahan, Coke, Tom Green,
Concho, San Saba, Schleicher, Menard, Mason, and Sutton counties.
Agricultural Impacts...
Very little rain and strong winds caused decreasing subsoil
moisture across the region. Pasture forages were drying up and
grasses were showing no growth. Most wheat was baled for hay as
the grain outlook was poor. Livestock was in mostly poor
condition and supplemental feeding continued.
Climate Summary...
On average, one quarter to one half of an inch of rain fell
across the region during the month of April. A few locations
received up to an inch. Therefore, most of the area saw below
normal rainfall. Hence, we are still below normal for the year and
given that the 2017 calendar year ended with a precipitation
deficit, drought conditions persisted.
Since the beginning of January, 2018, the following precipitation
amounts have been recorded:
Abilene received 5.39 inches of rainfall, which is 0.63 inches
below normal.
San Angelo received 3.39 inches of rainfall, which is 2.02 inches
below normal.
Junction received 2.44 inches of rainfall, which is 4.85 inches
below normal.
Precipitation/Temperature Outlook...
According to the Climate Predication Center (CPC), La Nina has
continued to weakened over the past couple of months and a
transition into ENSO-neutral conditions are expected this month.
ENSO-neutral conditions are then likely to continue through the
summer. Once the transition occurs to ENSO-neutral, equal chances
for dry, normal, and wet conditions along with continuing above
normal temperatures will be expected into the summer.
Across west central Texas, the CPC outlook shows increased
chances of below normal precipitation in both the 6-10 day and
8-14 day periods. The outlook shows increased chances of above
normal temperatures in both the 6-10 day and 8-14 day periods.
These outlooks were updated on May 4th.
The latest U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook for April 19 through
July 31 (issued by the CPC), shows that drought conditions will
likely persist across west central Texas.
Hydrologic Summary And Outlook...
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), gaged streamflows
across most of west central Texas are normal to below normal for
this time of year.
Reservoir conditions as of May 4:
Current Conservation Current %
Elevation CapacityCapacity Conservation
Reservoir (ft) (ac-ft) (ac-ft) Capacity
Fort Phantom Hill 1633.17 70030 59901 86
Lake Stamford 1415.34 51570 44483 86
Hubbard Creek 1179.59 318067 265323 83
Hords Creek Lake 1891.85 8443 4736 56
Lake Brownwood 1420.34 128839 102805 80
E V Spence 1845.43 517272 59790 12
O H Ivie 1511.86 554340 9790318
O C Fisher 1868.99 119445 9374 8
Twin Buttes(North) 1896.70177800 14223 8
Lake Nasworthy 1871.13 9615 8616 90
Next Issuance Date...
This product will be updated on June 1, 2018 or sooner if
necessary in response to significant changes in conditions.
&&
Related Web Sites
Additional information or current drought conditions may be found
at the following web addresses:
U.S. Drought Monitor:
http://www.droughtmonitor.unl.edu
NOAA Drought Page:
http://www.drought.noaa.gov
Climate Prediction Center (CPC):
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
San Angelo NWS:
http://www.weather.gov/sjt
Additional River Information:
National Weather Service (NWS):
http://www.water.weather.gov/ahps
U.S. Geological SUrvey (USGS):
http://water.usgs.gov/
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE):
http://www.usace.army.mil
Acknowledgments:
The drought monitor is a multi-agency effort involving NOAA`s
National Weather Service and National Centers for Environmental
Information...the USDA...state and regional center climatologists
and the National Drought Mitigation Center. Information for this
statement has been gathered from NWS and FAA observation sites...
state cooperative extension services...the USDA...USACE and USGS.
Questions or Comments:
If you have any questions or comments about this Drought
Information Statement, please contact:
National Weather Service
7654 Knickerbocker Rd.
San Angelo, Texas 76904
Phone: 325-944-9445
E-mail: sr-sjt.webmaster@noaa.gov
$$